G0454 or G0454Z?

[Robert foster]

I'm in the market for a new wide planer. I wish I would have had the money when Woodsmith had the Powermatic 20" for 1995.00 but I didn't so I am considering the above Grizzly models. I would like to go with the "Z" but I don't know if I will get that much better use out of it over the 0454. Anyone with experience with these models have recommendations. Or if there are others I should be looking at.

Thanks
Bob

[Van Huskey]

I'm in the market for a new wide planer. I wish I would have had the money when Woodsmith had the Powermatic 20" for 1995.00 but I didn't so I am considering the above Grizzly models. I would like to go with the "Z" but I don't know if I will get that much better use out of it over the 0454. Anyone with experience with these models have recommendations. Or if there are others I should be looking at.

Thanks
Bob

Just search the forum for spiral, helical or shelix heads. You will see most who have them on a jointer or planer love them. My vote is ABSOLUTELY get them, not only is it better for highly figured wood it will save money and time in the long run.

[glenn bradley]

I recently bought the G0453Z. The decision was easy; I didn't have room for the 20" but I knew I was never buying another knifed machine after running helical heads. Go for the Z. When my purchases get into the $1500 and above ballpark I go for what I want. No way do I want to save a few hundred dollars and get a machine that is just "good". Free advice and worth what you paid ;-)

[Danny Hamsley]

I have the 453Z with the spiral head. Now, I cannot imagine having a planer that uses knives. The spiral head performance is simply superior to the traditional knive technology in my experience. Others experience may be different.